LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Nina Eaton, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Nina Eaton of Woodmere, New York, died on March 30, 2012 at
the age of 96; and
WHEREAS, Nina Eaton distinguished herself in her profession and by her
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of her
community; and
WHEREAS, One of the most passionate and dedicated leaders of the disa-
bility services community, Nina Eaton was a founder of the United Cere-
bral Palsy Association; and
WHEREAS, Nina Eaton's passion for life and people and her fierce
belief that everyone is equally deserving of respect and opportunity
paved the path for her to be a strong voice and advocate; and
WHEREAS, In 1941, Nina Eaton's son, Leonard was diagnosed with cere-
bral palsy; at that time, there were no services, few options for people
with disabilities and no United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP); and
WHEREAS, Nina Eaton joined with other parents striving to make a
better life for their children who also had been diagnosed with Cerebral
Palsy, and in 1946 they founded the Cerebral Palsy Association of New
York State; and
WHEREAS, By 1949, the organization had evolved into the United Cere-
bral Palsy Association; and
WHEREAS, Nina Eaton's strength and fortitude laid the foundation for a
far-reaching organization that has enhanced the lives of millions of
Americans with disabilities for more than 70 years; and
WHEREAS, As the organization grew, Nina Eaton became the voice of UCP;
she continued to educate the public about cerebral palsy, which, like
most developmental disabilities, has carried a significant social stig-
ma; and
WHEREAS, Nina Eaton was well known for her persistent lobbying
efforts, which led to the regional and national expansion of community-
based services for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Into her 90s, Nina Eaton remained an active leader in the
disability community and served on the board of directors of United
Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Suffolk, Inc. for more than 30
years, while concurrently serving on the national board of trustees of
United Cerebral Palsy Association, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, As a tribute to the enormous role she played in bringing
equality and Life Without Limits to people with disabilities, Nina Eaton
was inducted into the Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2009; hono-
rees are chosen for their demonstrated vision, dedication and drive to
address community needs, whereby creating a legacy of service, improving
the quality of life for others; and
WHEREAS, Annually, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Inc. honors
affiliates with the Nina Eaton Program of the Year Award, as part of the
Awards for Excellence; the winners are honored for making an extraor-
dinary contribution to the quality of life for people with disabilities;
and
WHEREAS, Nina Eaton's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Nina Eaton is survived by her son, Leonard, a daughter in
law, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Nina Eaton leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served
and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Nina Eaton, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Nina Eaton.